southern red oak
ExplorePlants
southern red oak
Quercus falcata
The southern red oak is a tall tree with beautiful leaves that turn bright colors in the fall. It provides shade and homes for many animals, making it a special part of the forest.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The southern red oak has rough, reddish-brown bark with deep furrows. Its dark green leaves are distinctive, typically bell-shaped with 3-7 bristle-tipped lobes. New growth often shows a reddish tint, while mature leaves turn russet in fall.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFagalesFamilyFagaceaeGenusQuercus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Its abundant acorns are a vital food source for over 100 different animal species!
Its scientific name, *falcata*, means "sickle-shaped," describing its unique leaf lobes!
Southern red oaks can live for hundreds of years, often over 200 years old!
The strong wood of this tree was historically used to build ships and sturdy furniture!
Special abilities
Ability
Deep Root Explorer
Southern red oak has deep taproots that help it find water in dry soils, ensuring its survival during droughts.
Ability
Tannin Armor
Southern red oak produces tannins in its leaves and wood, which deter herbivores and protect against decay.
Ability
Acorn Flood
Southern red oak periodically produces a huge number of acorns, ensuring some survive to reproduce, despite hungry animals.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 2000-3000 cm
- Spread
- 1500-2000 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.2-0.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eats
Eastern gray squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
Buried acorns for winter food.
eats
White-tailed deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Browses twigs and fallen acorns.
eats
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
Collects and disperses acorns.
eats
Pink-striped oakworm
Anisota virginiensis
Feeds on the oak's leaves.
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Nut Bearing
Nut bearing plants produce hard-shelled fruits, commonly known as nuts, which contain a single seed and are a valuable food source.
Fall Color
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
Timber
Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Stay clear of falling branches and don't climb too high in trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is southern red oak?
2000-3000 cm
How wide does southern red oak spread?
1500-2000 cm
How big are the flowers on southern red oak?
0.2-0.5 cm
When does southern red oak bloom?
Spring
Is southern red oak edible?
No
Is southern red oak toxic?
Mild
What is southern red oak's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is southern red oak pollinated?
Wind
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
